Food and Veterinary Agency faces bribery probe and safety inspections

The Food and Veterinary Agency (AUV) in North Macedonia is facing multiple scrutiny issues involving food safety and official misconduct. A 42-year-old food inspector is suspected of accepting a 250 euro bribe to falsify inspection reports and overlook irregularities at a business facility. The Skopje Basic Public Prosecutor's Office has requested pre-trial detention for the suspect to prevent flight or interference with witnesses.

In a separate matter, the AUV has intensified controls on the economic operator Apetit following reports from Montenegro regarding expired Brazilian meat destined for the Kosovo market. Authorities in Montenegro have intercepted approximately 103 tons of expired beef. The AUV is conducting detailed investigations into import documentation, product origins, and distribution to ensure public health safety.

Additionally, seasonal inspections of ice cream and ice producers in North Macedonia revealed significant hygiene and regulatory failures. During July and August, 560 inspections led to 140 corrective orders and 45 fines totaling approximately 19,430 euros. Authorities destroyed 202 kilograms of unsafe products and identified issues including unregistered operators, lack of mandatory laboratory analyses, and inadequate staff health screenings.